Friday, June 1, 2012

Once again, I have more time and attention to do Bible studies in the summer...so let's see if I can actually work through one!!

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

(The Message) "I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the Messiah, according to God's plan, along with my friend Sosthenes. I send this letter to you in God's church at Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call out to Jesus, wherever they may live. He's their Master as well as ours! May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours."

1. Who wrote this letter (book) of 1 Corinthians? (1:1) Paul & Sosthenes

2. To whom was it written? (1:2) the people of Corinth and any who call out to Jesus

3. Are the recipients of this letter Christians? (Believers in God / Jesus) (1:2) yes

4. What was the reason for your answer to question 3? (1:2) refers to believers cleaned up by Jesus and to those who cry out to Jesus, which makes me believe that the others would be ones who understood Jesus' purpose and power!

Approximately how many people lived in Corinth and its 'suburbs'? about 650,000

Thinking now about where YOU live, is Corinth larger or smaller than the town or city in which you live? much larger

Let's think about why Corinth was such a large city of over « million people (actually about 650,000):

Was it a "college" town such as Athens, Greece? No

Was it a big commercial center? Yes

Was it on a major trade route with highways and seaports? Yes

What was its predominant "culture"? Greek

Since Corinth's culture was based on the Greek way of living and thinking, what kinds of things were important and emphasized in Corinth? (Circle your answer from the choices below. ... Hint: More than 1 answer may be correct.)

............Greek Philosophy............Man's Wisdom.............Man's Knowledge.....................Art and Culture................Intellectual pride...........Oratory.........................Worship of many gods & goddesses.....................education..................learning...........................sacrificing to pagan gods and goddesses...............immorality.......................physical beauty.............Sports..............................worship or adulation of men who are wise and knowledgeable............................

Read I Corinthians 1:1-9 and highlight in blue every time you see the word Jesus or a phrase that refers to him. I'll go back up and do that in the above verses.

I already typed out 1-3, so here is 4-9: "Every time I think of you--and I think of you often!--I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There's no end to what has happened in you--it's beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. Just think--you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that."

Does Paul seem to have concern and love for the Church and its members? Yes

Does Paul seem to have concern and love for the Church and its members? Yes

How can you tell? What does he say to them that makes you think that he loves them and is very concerned and interested in their Spiritual growth?

He reminds them that God has given them everything that they need, and that He will never forget them. He wants them to be assured of this, and of God's presence in their lives each day!